The Armpit of New Jersey.
-- Billy (chapter 2)

Importance: Billy uses this description in narration when providing exposition about his hometown of Wetbridge New Jersey. As a location, Wetbridge is meant to evoke a small, rather isolated town that is generally devoid of vibrant local culture.

While my teaches droned on about algebraic equations and the American Revolution, I sat in the back of the classroom, sneaking looks at the Commodore Programmer’s Reference Guide and sketching 8-bit images on graph paper.
-- Billy (chapter 3)

Importance: Billy states this in narration in reference to his interest in computers, computer games, and programming. Not only does this description illustrate Billy's all-consuming interest in these subjects, but it also foreshadows the tension between Billy's true passions and his responsibilities as a student.

I wasn’t even planning to try. But pretending to try would give me a good excuse to visit the store.
-- Billy (chapter 6)

Importance: Billy states this in narration in reference...